A Parent’s Guide to Key Stage Two SATs A Parent’s Guide to Key Stage Two SATs

Aims Understand what our children will be tested on and the format of the tests The role of Teacher assessment What the levels mean How parents can help and support their children

When are our children assessed at Weldon? Reception – Early Years Foundation Stage Profile KS1 SATs – Year 2 KS2 SATs – Year 6 Assessments take place in all year groups, but these are not statutory

What do SATs tests show? The idea of the SATs is to show what pupils have learnt and retained during the year. The tests help our teachers learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of what your child understands about a subject.

Can my child fail a SATs test? It is important that Children understand they are not going to 'pass' or 'fail' the test – it will just show what they have learned and what they can do.

What are the children tested on? The children are tested on all of the work they have covered in Key Stage Two in English, Maths and Science.

Preparing for SATs in school… English and Maths Revision lessons. Regular Homework Practice Papers

What form will the tests take? English Reading 45 minutes + 15 mins reading time Writing (teacher assessment) Long writing task 45 minutes can be taken any time between February and June Spelling and handwriting assessed within the long writing Mental Maths 20 minutes Written paper A - 45 minutes Written paper B – calculator paper- 45 minutes Science assessment will be teacher assessment including 2 written tests

KS2 Timetable May 2012 Monday 14 th May Reading test 15 minutes plus 45 minutes Tuesday 15 th May Writing 45 minutes Teacher assessed Wednesday 16 th May Mental Maths 20 minutes Maths A 45 minutes Thursday 17 th May Maths B 45 minutes Friday 18 th MayScience A Teacher assessed Science B Teacher assessed

English Reading  The children have 15 minutes to read a story or poem and some information writing, all roughly based around a theme such as 'spiders' or 'bicycles'.  They then have 45 minutes to answer questions about the texts. Some are tick-boxes and for others they need to write a few phrases to answer (it doesn't have to be in sentences).  The questions range from the literal (who does what, when) to the deductive (where, for example, they have to work out how someone is feeling from what they say).  Your child will be encouraged to say which parts of the text told them the answer.  Pupils often need to back up their ideas with evidence from the text, to fully support their answer.

Writing The children’s writing is assessed by the teacher over the whole year. The written test is used to support the teacher’s assessment  The Long Writing Test will last about 45 minutes. Children will need to write a long piece including spending up to 15 minutes planning.  Handwriting and spelling are assessed within the longer writing test and through class work.

Mathematics This involves three papers. The first two cover lots of calculating skills, understanding of shapes, symmetry and reading charts. The first paper has a range of problems from straight sums to practical examples (like working out how many cakes fit on a tray). The second paper has a similar mix of problems, but this time the children are allowed to use calculators, so the numbers tend to be trickier - bigger, or decimal.

Gaining full marks! In both of these papers, children are encouraged to show how they got an answer, and can get marks for a sensible try at a question even if they get the answer wrong. Children will also be expected to show an understanding of how to use and apply their mathematical knowledge in a variety of ways or 'to think like a mathematician'.

Mental Test The third paper is on mental skills. Children are played a tape of 20 questions, and given either 5, 10 or 15 seconds to answer them on a prepared sheet. SEN Children with special needs who need questions read to them, or whose writing is hard to read (and need a helper to write it for them) can be given extra time in these tests.

Science The science tests are not statutory and teacher assessment will be used. Pupils will still complete science tests as part of the teacher assessment, and these will form part of the science teaching throughout the year.

What is teacher assessment? Teachers are required to summarise their assessment at the end of the key stage, giving a level for each attainment target in English, mathematics and science. They must give an overall subject level in mathematics and science and English.

How well should my child do in these tests? National Curriculum Level Level 8 Level 7 Level 6 Level 5 Level 4 Level 3a, 3b, 3c Level 2a, 2b, 2c Level 1 Age 7 Age 11Age 14

What do the levels mean? It is expected that the majority of 11 year old children will achieve Level 4 by the end of Year 6. However, for some children achieving Level 3 is a real success for that particular individual. A child achieving Level 5 is working at a high level.

How can parents help? Don't worry - the tests are not an eleven plus. A child does not fail SATs. Encourage children to be confident about their ability to do well. Playing is important - children should not be stopped from living their lives as normal during test week. Support your child in working through their homework. Also check out some on-line learning resources such as the BBC revise wise site to help your child revise. There are lots of links in the Year 6 gallery of DB primary; our learning platform, by going onto our school website

Any questions? There will be a drop in session on Thursday 1 st March at 3.30 where you can look at examples of past papers and ask any questions. Otherwise you can make an appointment to speak with Mrs Seton or Mrs Rodenhurst